Sprained Wrist Treatment in Sydney
The bones of the wrist are connected and stabilized by tissues known as ligaments. An injury to one of these ligaments is known as a wrist sprain. Sprains to the wrist can vary in severity — with some sprains, the ligaments are over-stretched or partially tear, and with severe strains, the ligament can actually fully rupture and possibly even pull off a fragment of bone.
If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms that may suggest a wrist sprain, Sydney hand and wrist specialist Jai Sungaran of Southern Hand and Wrist can help. He will determine the extent of the sprain and recommend the most effective way to alleviate discomfort and restore optimal mobility and range of motion to your wrist.
Common Causes of Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains often occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Another common cause of wrist sprain is sports injuries that cause the wrist to bend too far forward, backward or to the side.
Symptoms of a Sprained Wrist
A sprained wrist can cause pain, swelling and bruising. There may be a popping sensation inside the wrist. The injury can also limit the movement of the wrist joint.
If you are experiencing wrist pain that won’t go away, you should not ignore it. Ignoring a wrist sprain may lead to serious consequences later in life. For instance, without the ligaments properly connecting the wrist bones, the bones can move in abnormal ways. Over time, this can lead to arthritis in the wrist, which will cause even more pain, stiffness and deformity.
In cases of unrelenting wrist pain or other symptoms, it is best to seek the expertise of Dr Sungaran. As a specialist in hand and wrist problems like sprained wrist in Sydney, the doctor can diagnose the problem and recommend the best way to alleviate pain and restore the wrist to full function.
How Are Wrist Sprains Diagnosed?
Wrist sprains are usually diagnosed with a physical exam. Dr Sungaran will also look at the range of motion of your wrist and ask you to describe where exactly it hurts. As Dr Sungaran examines your wrist, he will ask you questions about the nature of the incident that led to your injury (e.g., a fall or sports injury). Try to be as detailed as possible when recounting the incident that led to the sprained wrist.
Dr Sungaran may take X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at the inner structures of your wrist.
How Are Wrist Sprains Treated?
Many wrist sprains can be treated with non-surgical methods. The typical treatment for a sprained wrist is to rest the joint. A splint or brace is used to restrict movement as the injured ligaments heal. For pain management, icing the wrist is helpful. Depending on the nature of the sprain, anti-inflammatory cortisone injections may be recommended.
In the case of severe wrist sprains where one or more ligaments have completely torn, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. The specific surgical approach taken depends on the nature of the injury. Physical therapy may be suggested following surgery to improve strength and flexibility in the wrist.
Learn More About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Wrist Sprains
Are you experiencing pain or tenderness in your wrist after a fall or injury? You could have a sprained wrist. Sydney hand and wrist surgeon Jai Sungaran invites you to schedule a consultation at his practice to determine the extent of the injury and suitable treatment options. Contact us today to request an appointment.
